Top 5 Destinations for Tourism Management Internships

In an increasingly globalised world, the tourism sector continues to evolve and expand rapidly, making tourism management an in-demand field. Those with the skills, knowledge and experience in tourism and hospitality management can unlock rich opportunities.

Many students pursue tourism management internships abroad to develop a global perspective and access international career opportunities. Gaining international exposure through an internship in a global tourism hub is a great way to grow personally and professionally and lead change in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Let’s explore some of the best destinations to pursue tourism management internships.

What is Tourism Management?

Tourism management is an umbrella term for everything related to the hospitality and travel industries. From coordinating tourism operations to maximising economic, social and environmental benefits for global destinations, tourism management is a multifaceted field that combines multiple areas to shape travel experiences for people worldwide.

With tourism contributing significantly to global economies while being an important source of employment for local communities, tourism management has a significant international impact.

Tourism management has various elements, including destination management, sustainable tourism, crisis management and policy development. Tourism and hospitality management also offers multiple career paths, from tour operations to hotel management, providing professionals with diverse career options.

Benefits of Pursuing Tourism Management Internships Abroad

So, why pursue a tourism management internship abroad?

There are many reasons why people seek tourism management internships abroad, including exposure to a global tourism hotspot, enhanced career prospects and opportunities for personal growth.

Let’s explore a few of these in greater detail:

• Career opportunities – By pursuing tourism management internships abroad, tourism and hospitality students will gain international experience, which enhances their professional portfolio. Working alongside experienced professionals also provides opportunities to grow a global network, which can offer long-term professional benefits.
• Skill development – Tourism management internships abroad allow students to develop in-demand skills in the tourism and hospitality industries, including cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills. Working in a new environment requires adaptability and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges.
• Global exposure – One of the main benefits of pursuing a tourism management internship abroad is the global exposure a professional can gain. Experiencing how tourism operates in diverse markets and seeing the importance of local tourism to communities broadens perspectives and provides insight into global tourism management.
• Personal growth – Working abroad in a completely new environment provides opportunities for personal growth and self-learning. In addition to learning about international tourism trends and cultural immersion, students can develop independence, resilience and confidence. 
• Diverse tourism practices – While pursuing global tourism management internships, students will gain insight into various tourism management strategies and approaches. From sustainable tourism practices to technology integration, students will see firsthand how tourism boards attract and maintain tourists.

Best Destinations for Tourism Management Internships

As the tourism industry grows, global tourism trends provide opportunities for countries to maximise their appeal to an international audience. Whether sustainable tourism or experiential travel, tourism trends shape the industry and can predict the future of the global tourism landscape.

Despite various countries benefitting from popular tourism trends, some destinations are well-known tourist hubs and regularly attract a dynamic range of visitors. These countries provide the best opportunities for students to learn about the tourism industry and the impact of tourism on a global and local scale.

So, what are the top five destinations for tourism management internships?

• Germany
  
  Germany offers a wide range of internship opportunities for tourism management students, with its unique combination of history, culture, innovation and sustainability. The tourism landscape in Germany is dynamic, with the capital city of Berlin being the country’s largest and most visited city.  Berlin’s thriving start-up culture, arts and entertainment industries, and heritage tourism opportunities provide a vibrant environment for tourism management internships.
  
  Germany’s central European location makes it a business and travel hub, connecting east and west Europe. This benefits the country’s major cities, including Hamburg and Berlin, the heart of the thriving tourism sector. An internship in a major German city provides industry insights and a well-rounded experience in a leading global tourism destination.
  
  Learn why Germany is also the ideal destination for a Master’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management here.
  
• France
  
  As the world’s most visited country, France is a global tourism powerhouse and offers unparalleled access to a thriving tourism sector. Its capital city, Paris, offers a diverse range of opportunities across luxury, culinary and cultural tourism, with a global reputation for fashion and culinary excellence and home to world-class attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.
  
  Tourism internships in Paris offer students practical experience and a global perspective of the tourism industry, providing opportunities to develop in-demand skills and network with industry professionals managing international events. 
  
• Spain
  
  Spain is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, offering those seeking tourism internships opportunities to explore the diverse tourism landscape across the country. From Mediterranean beach resorts to cultural cities and rural tourism, it is clear why Spain is a popular tourist destination, and major cities like Barcelona attract a diverse range of tourists.
  
  With Spain covering several tourism areas, students can enrich their careers by choosing tourism internships tailored to their preferences, from leisure tourism to event and festival management.
  
• New Zealand
  
  The combination of natural beauty and diverse tourist experiences makes New Zealand one of the best places to pursue a tourism management internship. As a leader in sustainable and eco-tourism, New Zealand offers students hands-on experience in sustainable tourism practices and cultural immersion opportunities with the country’s indigenous Māori culture.
  
  New Zealand is also a pioneer of adventure tourism, boasting the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Home to many world-first activities, New Zealand has a unique tourism industry, attracting visitors from around the world for many different reasons. 
  
• Singapore
  
  Singapore is a leader in luxury tourism and offers tourists a diverse cultural experience. As a gateway to Asia due to its strategic location, students can gain an insight into how the continent navigates the dynamic tourism sector.
  
  Singapore is also well-known for its smart tourism, leveraging technology and innovation to enhance experiences. Combined with its focus on luxury tourism, Singapore is an excellent destination for a tourism management internship.

How to Secure Tourism Internships Abroad

An internship abroad allows students to gain international experience, develop in-demand skills and grow their professional network. Students should research internship opportunities, network with industry professionals and explore the best places to pursue tourism internships to experience the dynamic tourism industry in a new environment.

Due to the competitive nature of the tourism industry, students must identify internship opportunities that align with their career goals and choose a destination that will provide an enriching experience. Utilising networking platforms like LinkedIn will give students exposure to companies that run internship programmes and can be a gateway to securing tourism internships.

Study Tourism Management at BSBI

The Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) offers multiple tourism management programmes for ambitious students aiming to pursue a global career.

In addition to the Bachelor’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management, BSBI offers an MA in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management delivered in Berlin or Paris in partnership with the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) and PPA Business School, and another MA in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management delivered in Berlin in partnership with Universita Telematica Internazionale UNINETTUNO.

Choose the programme tailored to your career goals and study tourism management in the global tourism hubs of Berlin or Paris, offering diverse opportunities for students worldwide.